Charles A. Harrison

Charles Albert “Charlie” Harrison, Jr. died peacefully at Steere House in Providence, RI on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the age of 92.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Toni Thompson Harrison, his children, Louise Joyce and her husband Mark, Cynthia Ottilige, and her husband George, Kath Whelan, Timothy Whelan, and Lindsay Harrison with Jamie Jacques, a sister Madelyn Graham, grandchildren Matthew Joyce, Lauren Joyce Opeil and her husband Bryant, Katherine Joyce, Jennifer Ottilige Martel and her husband Josh, Andrea Ottilige, Thea Whelan, Chloe Whelan, a great-grandson, Orion Martel, and his many special nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Elsie L. Harrison, his parents, Charles and Edith Harrison, and his sister, Beatrice. Charlie was born on May 21, 1922. He graduated from Hope High School in 1940. He served faithfully in the U.S. Navy Seabees and performed in USO shows in the Philippines and China. He worked for Gorham, and in positions as a salesman, traffic manager, and a jewelry expeditor for various companies throughout his career. Being talented and versatile, Charlie enjoyed many pastimes, hobbies, and skills. Beginning in his teen years, he began performing magic, and was well known throughout his lifetime for presenting his talent professionally for USO shows, nightclubs, television, the Shriners, Masonic organizations, and for various private parties and shows. Along with his magic, Charlie performed hand shadows, balloon animals, and a traditional English Punch and Judy show. He has been active in the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians. Through the years, Charlie enjoyed acting and was a very active member of community theater, with groups including The Academy Players in East Greenwich, Barker Players in Providence, and the Assembly Players in Harrisville. He was a mason, and member of Harmony Lodge in Cranston, RI. He enjoyed the laughter of children and as such, served as a Santa Claus for many years for his church and in the community, following the Santa legacy that his father also filled. Charlie was a dedicated Episcopalian, and served faithfully as Vestry person, choir member, Sunday School teacher, and floral arranger, and volunteered where needed for each parish in which he was a member. He was loved by all who knew him and was a blessing in the lives of many. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday March 7, 2015 at 2:00pm at the Church of the Redeemer at 655 Hope Street in Providence, RI, with a reception to follow in the parish hall. The Rev. Patrick Campbell will officiate at the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of Charlie Harrison. A donation may be made in Charlie’s honor for the Shriners’ Campaigns for Children, PO Box 3791, Cranston, RI 02910, or the charity of your choice. The family would like to thank the staff at Steere House for their care and dedication, Oscar for his patient diligence with Dad, and the Butterfield Home and Chapel for making the arrangements with care and dignity.

Condolences

Nancy Garnett-Thomas - 02/11/2015

How lucky you all were to be loved by someone as wonderful as Mr Harrison. What a difference he made in this crazy world!!!

- 02/12/2015

Uncle Charlie will be missed VERY much. Our condolences to Auntie Toni and the family. Uncle Charlie was a one of a kind man, they don't come any better than him.

Ann Gaulin - 02/12/2015

Louise, Mark and Family,
You have so many wonderful memories of your dad. Love, Ann

Jeanmarie Pariseau - 02/12/2015

Lindsay and Family,
Your Dad's life must have brought joy to so many people. Sorry for your great loss.

Diane Nahabedian - 02/12/2015

Lindsay and Family,
Your father must have been a wonderful, energetic and loving individual. I am so sorry for your loss. But, cherish the wonderful man described, and enjoy all the happy memories you have of him.

Diane Gebhart - 02/12/2015

Lindsay, Your Dad sounds like an amazing man! You and all those he touched in his very long life are so lucky. May your memories and the knowledge that he is now in the hands of the Lord comfort you during this difficult time. I will keep you Dad and your family in my prayers. God Bless.

Nancy Turcotte - 02/12/2015

Praying for you and your family during this difficult time, with deepest sympathy.

Elaine Bailey - 02/12/2015

Louise and Cindy - Sad to lose your dad. Such lovely memories of a life well lived - who could ask for more. Forever in the hearts of many, you can hold that pride and cherish him long into the future. God bless.

Beth and Ken DiRaimo - 02/12/2015

Dear Louise and family, you were so lucky to have such love, as your Dad was. Your family was truely blessed. Sincere sympathy to you all.

Linda DeWolf - 02/12/2015

Lindsay, your dad sounds like and amazing man. My prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless

Rachel Bodner - 02/12/2015

Thoughts of warmth and love to you Toni, Kath, Tim, Lindsay and all the rest of your family.

Phyllis Collins Curtis - 02/12/2015

Lou, Cyd, and all friends & family members touched by this wonderful, magical man, you are all in my prayers, as is he. I remember him as such a kind, funny, friendly "Dad" - don't think I'd ever called him "Mr Harrison". He is remembered by so many for his warmth and love that spilled over to his family in so many ways.

Grace Creasey Osediacz - 02/13/2015

To Charlie's family: I am saddened to hear that Charlie has passed. He was a vibrant soul with a huge heart and a witty mind. You have all been blessed beyond measure for having such a wonderful father, husband, Grandpa, Uncle and the rest of us were blessed that he was our friend. Magic and laughter were his calling cards; love and light may we have to remember him by. Love to you all...Blessed Be...

Anne & Jack Healey lauderdale by the Sea, FL - 02/13/2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Charlie's family. We have such fond, fun and happy memories as he entertained the kids. He was my favorite client in the trucking business.

Jeff Smith, President RISM - 02/13/2015

On behalf of the RI Societies of Magicians, we extend our sincere condolences to the family. He was a wonderful person and an honorary member of our club. He will be missed.

Anne McNiff Cole - 02/13/2015

Uncle Charlie was more than a
a shining star in my childhood. He was fun. He was helpful.He was kind-- not just to me but to every member of my family. I was honored to have him as the godfather to my two sons.
Rabbits in hats,animal balloons, and shadow grafts are all on stage in heaven.
God Bless.

Bob & Lorè Brown - 02/14/2015

Farewell good friend ! Toni and family, we are saddened by this news, have many fond memories of this wonderful, sensitive, caring , always smiling person whom we miss. Will keep you all in our prayers. Rest well Charlie

Marjorie Reeves-Briden - 02/14/2015

Warm memories of a wonderful friend. Keeping you all in my prayers. Be at peace.

Cynthia May - 02/14/2015

For every one of us lucky to be near you, my dearest Pop, unconditional love in extraordinary measure ~

Evelyn Zifcak - 02/15/2015

Charlie is someone you don't forget. He appeared in several shows I directed in Woonsocket. His great talent was only outdone by his happy, friendly, warmhearted manner and love of people. My thoughts and love to his family.

Steve Potemkin - 02/16/2015

I remember Charlie from a long time ago when I hung out with his nephew Bill. What a character!

Erin L. Blackman - 02/17/2015

Toni and family - I am so sorry to hear of Chuck's passing.I was so blessed to be able to work with him in the mystery dinner theater shows. Love to all of you.

Gloria Silvia - 02/17/2015

Lindsay-Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Sounds like your dad lived life to the fullest.

Ken Grady - 02/17/2015

A wonderful man who touched many lives.

Madelyn Graham - 02/23/2015

Sending my love and prayers to Toni, Louanne,Cindy and Lindsay. Remembering all the fun times with my Brother Charlie. Much Love, Madelyn

Rick Joyce - 2/25/2015 - 02/25/2015

Remembering Charlie... His kind, honest manner, always smiling, cheerful, thoughtful and then throwing out those one-liners to make you laugh. I always felt better when he was around. He had a caring way about him and made a difference in the many souls that he touched throughout his life. Afterall, that is the most important thing in life. He "got it" and shared "it" with others. We only hope that everyone could share this magic the way he did. Rest easy Charlie... you will be missed. Sincerest sympathy to all of your family.

Andrea Aimee Joy - 03/04/2015

I Am Lucky To Be One Of His Favorite 7 Grandchildren! There Is Nothing More Cool Then To Say That Your Poppie Is Santa Clause &* A Magician &* A Sea Bee &* All The Wonderful Things He Was. The Life He Lived Is Inspirational &* I Hope I Make An Impact On People The Way That He Did! Thank You For All Your Wise Words &* Wise Cracks! You Will Always Be In My Heart! I Love You , Poppie.. 2010!! ♡♡♡

Susan Edwards Doughty - 03/10/2015

Cindy,
I so totally missed this and am so sorry for your loss. Please know you will be in my thoughts, prayers and heart.
Love you my friend
Susan